One confirmed COVID-19 fatality and 1,536 confirmed positive tests were recorded in New Jersey on Sunday, as the seven-day average for cases continues to rise after reaching new lows in March.
Gov. Phil Murphy urged the people to “continue to be smart and safe, and continue to use common sense and common courtesy.” in his first public appearance since testing positive on Wednesday.
Moreover, the state’s seven-day average for confirmed cases rose to 1,382 on Sunday, up 41% from the previous week and 62% from a month earlier. On March 17, the seven-day average fell to a new low of 631.
As of Saturday night, 370 patients had confirmed or suspected coronavirus illnesses in 69 of the state’s 71 hospitals, down 16 from the previous night.
For instance, when the omicron wave swept the state this winter, hospitalizations peaked at 6,089 on January 10.
According to official records, at least 88 persons were released in the same 24-hour period ending Saturday night. There were 37 people in intensive care (seven less than the night before) and 25 people on ventilators among those who were admitted to the hospital (one fewer than the night before).
Along with this, the transmission rate in New Jersey jumped to 1.19 on Sunday, after the state recorded 1.15 for two days in a row. When the transmission rate exceeds one, it signifies that each new case is followed by at least one more, and the outbreak is spreading.
For tests taken on Monday, the most recent day available, the statewide daily positive rate was 4.32 percent.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, the state recorded 335 probable cases based on quick antigen testing at medical facilities. However, many individuals now rely on free at-home COVID-19 tests, which are not reported to state health officials. The daily case figures come with a disclaimer.
According to newly updated recommendations from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all 21 counties in New Jersey have “low” transmission rates. Masks are no longer suggested for healthy persons at low and medium risk.
